White House Ballroom Project Blocked by Court, May Head to Supreme Court
A federal appellate court in Washington, D.C. has blocked President Trump's renovation proposal for the East Wing Ballroom, pending authorization from Congress. The ruling, issued on August 7, arose from a lawsuit by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, filed on June 5. With Congress heading into its summer recess, further construction cannot proceed without legislative approval. Trump now has two weeks to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. If the appeal is unsuccessful, all work will halt until Congress reconvenes on September 15. Supporters of the decision view it as a significant win for historic preservation efforts.
Key facts
- Washington, D.C. circuit court ruled against the White House Ballroom project.
- The project is designed by Shalom Baranes Associates.
- The ruling blocks above-ground construction until Congress approves.
- The appeals court paused the ruling for two weeks for Supreme Court appeal.
- The lawsuit was filed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
- The case was argued on June 5 and decided on August 7.
- Judges Patricia Millett and Bradley Garcia ruled in favor; Judge Neomi Rao dissented.
- Construction has already begun: excavation, concrete slab, and columns.
- Other White House alterations include a helipad, UFC event, and North Portico renovation.
- The Senate is out until September 15, and the House is also in recess.
Entities
Institutions
- Shalom Baranes Associates
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- National Park Service
- Supreme Court
- U.S. Congress
- White House
Locations
- Washington, D.C.
- United States